Active learning

Well if I’d been expecting careful planning of lessons and evidence of active learning then I was to be disappointed. The tutor’s strength is his legal knowledge and his full range of anecdotes of accidents and misdemeanours in industry. He tells the stories in an amusing and picturesque manner, which helps to explain the points he is trying to make. The word-only PowerPoint slides act as a back drop to the sessions, with some hand waving towards them. I am grateful that at least he doesn’t stand in front of them and read them to us. However, what is missing is any form of “active” learning. I mentioned this during a break. His response – “I’ll bring some videos next week.” I attempted to explain that wasn’t what active learning meant. I wondered why it was me, the comparative rookie, who needed to explain to this man who I was told had 40 years of training experience, what active learning was. He didn’t get it. He did bring some videos the following week, but even then missed an opportunity for active learning. The introduction to the video explained that at intervals there would be a question, the screen would go blank, and there would be an opportunity for us to discuss what we’d just seen. He ran the video straight through, without pause or discussion.
If you’re not sure what active learning is either, see www.geoffpetty.com/activelearning.html for an explanation. I wish my tutor would take a look.